Mayor apologizes for promoting lock-picking class in newsletter

OAKLAND, Calif. — The mayor of a California city struggling with a spike in burglaries and other crimes is apologizing for promoting a class about how to pick locks in her newsletter.

Oakland Mayor Jean Quan said Wednesday she understood the reaction of people who were upset about a listing for the lock-picking class. She said she will do a better job reviewing listings in the future.

The Oakland Tribune reports that the class — offered through the website, workshopweekend.net — was geared toward people who misplace their keys. But it didn't go over well with some residents given the city's crime woes, including a more-than 40 percent jump in burglaries last year.

"Of all the incredibly unbelievable things I've witnessed in my life, this tops the list," said Julie Mills, a resident quoted by the Tribune

The mayor released a statement Wednesday: "I've heard from people who are upset about the
lock picking class item. I
understand their reaction and I apologize."